Nectarine tree named ‘Cassie&#39;s Jewel’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  var.  nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree with a vigorous, upright growth habit.   2. Regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit.   3. Fruit with an attractive red skin color.   4. Fruit having very good flavor and eating quality with a good balance between acid and sugar.   5. Firm, clingstone fruit with good shipping and storage ability.

Botanical designation: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘CASSIE'S JEWEL’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of nectarine tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of nectarine and peach trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Summer Amelia’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,777), ‘Honeylicious’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 26,056) and the proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selections ‘17B406’, ‘371LU65’ and ‘389LU277’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) was developed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from a first generation cross between the proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selections ‘17B406’ and ‘Summer Amelia’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,777). The proprietary non-patented nectarine seed parent ‘17B406’ originated as a first generation cross between our proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selections ‘371LU65’ and ‘389LU277’. A large number of these first generation seedlings were planted and grown on their own root system. Under close and careful observation, we recognized the desirable tree and fruit characteristics of the present seedling and selected it in 2017 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2017 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh and an attractive red skin color. In comparison to its proprietary non-patented nectarine seed parent (17B406) the fruit of the new variety is 8 days later in maturity and has a chilling requirement of approximately 600 hours at or below 45° F. compared to 800 hours. In comparison to its pollen parent ‘Summer Amelia’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,777) the fruit of the new variety is approximately 39 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Honeylicious’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 26,056) the fruit of the new variety is approximately 4 days earlier in maturity and has a chilling requirement of approximately 600 hours at or below 45° F. compared to 1000 hours.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 5 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height the             first growing season. Varies slightly with type and             fertility of soil, climatic conditions and cultural             practices.         -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,             increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired market size fruit. Number of fruit set             varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.         -   Bearer.—Regular, has had adequate fruit set 4 consecutive             years. No alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self fertile.         -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to             increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color             and health of fruit wood.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone. 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 600 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Medium, average circumference 27.9 cm at 25.4 cm above             ground on a 5 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 5YR 5/2 to 5YR 3/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 10.2 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with             heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 27 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 3.8 mm. Average width 1.6 mm. Color varies             from 7.5YR 6/8 to 7.5YR 5/8.         -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 8/6 to 2.5GY 6/6. Mature             growth varies from 7.5YR 4/4 to 7.5YR 2/4, varies with age             of growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 137.4 mm. Average width 40.3 mm.         -   Form.—Elliptical.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Average length 8.6 mm. Average width 1.5 mm.             Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies             from 5GY 7/4 to 5GY 5/4.         -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — small. Average length             1.0 mm. Average diameter 0.5 mm. Number varies from 2 to 4,             average number 2. Located primarily on base of, leaf blade             and upper portion of the petiole. Color varies from 2.5YR             3/4 to 2.5YR 2/4.         -   Stipules.—None present at time of measurement.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/4 to 5GY 3/6. Lower             surface varies from 5GY 5/4 to 2.5GY 5/4. Midvein color             varies from 2.5GY 8/4 to 10Y 8/4. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 24.7 mm. Average diameter 11.1             mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Density.—Medium dense.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 6.7 mm. Average width 1.3 mm.             Surface — glabrous. Color varies from 2.5R 3/6 to 5GY 5/6.         -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/6 to 7.5RP 6/12. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 18, 2022. Date of             Petal Fall Feb. 28, 2022, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average height 23.9 mm. Average diameter 53.8             mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —             large. Average length 24.5 mm. Average width 20.4 mm. Petal             apex — rounded. Petal base — truncate. Form — elliptical.             Arrangement — slightly overlapping. Margin — sinuate. Both             upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Color varies from 2.5RP             7/6 to 5RP 8/4, fades with age of flower.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             large. Average length 7.9 mm. Average width 6.7 mm. Sepal             apex — ovate. Shape — ovate to triangular. Margin — entire.             Surface — upper surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent.             Color — upper surface varies from 5GY 4/6 to 5R 3/4. Lower             surface varies from 2.5R 3/6 to 2.5GY 8/8.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 49. Average filament             length 17.1 mm. On average the stamens are above the height             of the petals. Filament color varies from N 9.5/(white) to             7.5RP 6/6. Anther color 7.5R 4/14.         -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 2.5Y 7/10 to 2.5Y             7/12.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Average length 21.5 mm.             Position of stigma even with anthers. Surface — glabrous.             Color varies from 10Y 8/6 to 2.5GY 7/8.         -   Fragrance.—Slight aroma.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5RP 8/4 to 5RP 8/4.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 7.1 mm. Average width 1.2 mm. Color             varies form 2.5GY 5/8 to 2.5R 3/6.         -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 5, 2022.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 15, 2022, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 71.8 mm. Average             transversely in suture plane 76.3 mm. Average weight 216.5             grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of             thinning and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose.         -   Suture.—Slightly lipped.         -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth.         -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Slightly retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 8.0 mm. Average diameter 7.9 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 9.5 mm. Average             diameter 2.9 mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 5/8 to 2.5GY 5/6. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to other commercial nectarine             varieties.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Very good.         -   Flavor.—Very good, with a good balance between acid and             sugar.         -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 15.4°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 7/10 to 2.5Y 8/8.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 35.1 mm. Average width 27.9 mm.             Average depth 12.5 mm. Color varies from 7.5R 4/8 to 7.5R             2/6. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth.         -   Pubescence.—Wanting.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Ground color varies from 10YR 8/8 to 2.5Y 8/8.             Overspread with 5R 2/4 to 7.5R 2/6.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.         -   Astringency.—Undetected. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone, medium adherence to flesh.         -   Size.—Large. Average length 34.1 mm. Average width 26.9 mm.             Average thickness 22.3 mm.         -   Form.—Obovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 2.1 mm.         -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from rounded to             elongated.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further outward from             suture plane.         -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, extending from base to apex.         -   Tendency to split.—None.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5YR 3/4 to 5YR 3/4 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 19.3 mm. Average width             10.8 mm. Average depth 6.4 mm.         -   Form.—Ovate.         -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 8/8 to 5Y 8/10. -   Use:     -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 3 weeks at 38° to     42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or     appreciable loss of flavor. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh     bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection     observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal     fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and     eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) ‘Cassie's Jewel’, substantially as illustrated and described. 